Mounting

ABSTRACT

A mounting ( 1 ) comprises a transparent spherical shell ( 2 ), which holds a reflective mirror ( 4 ) for collection and concentration of radiation flux. A second membrane ( 7 ) is affixed to maintain a pressure differential across the two approximate hemi-spheres separate by the mirror ( 4 ). A quantity of water ( 13 ) is contained within the shell ( 2 ) acting as ballast. The lower portion of the shell ( 2 ) rests on a toroid ( 9 ), which is affixed to a base ( 10 ). Both the toroid and the vessel created by the inside surface of the toroid ( 9 ) and base ( 10 ) is filled with water ( 11,12 ). The shell ( 2 ) is buoyantly supported within the vessel by the water ( 12,13 ) while being restrained within the boundaries of the toroid ( 9 ) and base ( 10 ) but free for rotational movement as required to track the sun.

[0001] THIS INVENTION relates to a device for the restraining andmovement of an apparatus. In particular, but in no way limiting, it isdirected to a device which finds application in the simultaneousrestraining but allowing rotational movement of an apparatus for thecollection and concentration of radiation flux throughout the entireelectromagnetic spectrum. Where that radiation flux is solar flux,thermal power outputs of 2.2 MW and beyond should be possible.

[0002] Rotatable and steerable dishes have a range of uses including: assatellite dishes for communications, for electromagnetic power focussingand as solar flux collectors. It is desirable that such motile receivingdishes be as large as possible, primarily because of the weak strengthof the flux being collected. In respect of solar collectors, these haveeffectively been large sails. Further, for accurate and efficientreceipt of the incoming flux, these dishes must also be rigid which thususually requires the use of various bracing structures to preventdistortion of the dishes due to wind forces, etc. Consequently, withsuch robust constructions, powerful and accurate drive systems are alsorequired. The resultant assemblies, particularly these naked mirrorsolar collectors, can thus be massive and expensive to construct.Another disadvantage is that space satellite dish reflectors forcommunications, electromagnetic power focussing or solar fluxconcentration have failed to deploy correctly due to the complexconstruction necessary to meet these demands of rigidity. Yet anotherdisadvantage is that these dishes, irrespective of use but particularlywhen used as a solar collector, also require regular cleaning of theexterior surfaces for maximum efficiency. This is currently a manualprocess which thus adds to the maintenance costs of such dishes.

[0003] For those applications where it is not necessary to have the dishdirectly exposed, prior art solutions to the above problems include theuse of fixed domes to protect the dishes. However, this is not practicalfor a solar flux collector and, consequently, the mirror assembly ofsuch solar dishes must be even more robust to prevent damage from, forexample, hail.

[0004] It is thus a general object of the present invention to overcome,or at least ameliorate, one or more of the above disadvantages.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a device for the simultaneous restraining but allowingcontinuous unrestricted rotational movement of an apparatus of the typefor receiving and/or transmitting radiation flux, said device including:

[0006] a fluid-impermeable shell adapted to support said apparatus;

[0007] a restraining means to restrain said shell at a requiredposition; and

[0008] a support means to buoyantly support said shell, said supportmeans adapted to allow continuous movement of said shell along at leastone non-vertical axis;

[0009] wherein said restraining means and said support means are adaptedto allow said rotational movement of said shell at said requiredposition.

[0010] Said apparatus may be selected from one or more of the following:

[0011] I a transmitting/receiving apparatus;

[0012] II a reflecting apparatus;

[0013] III a lensing apparatus; and

[0014] IV a gas or liquid, to be used for lensing electromagneticradiation, or chemical production.

[0015] Said shell may be spherical, spheroid, cylindrical, or cylindroidin shape.

[0016] Said shell may be transparent.

[0017] Said shell may be hollow.

[0018] In those embodiments where said shell is hollow, said shell maybe pressurised, whereby the internal pressure may be maintained usingone or more of the following means:

[0019] I an external gas supply and pressure control;

[0020] II gas-release vents, which are activated when said internalpressure exceeds the external pressure by an amount which exceeds somespecified threshold;

[0021] III chemical compounds present internal of said shell whichexhibit desired partial pressures; and

[0022] IV gas containers positioned internal of said shell, whichrelease gas when said internal pressure drops below a fixed threshold

[0023] Said shell may be restrained laterally and vertically by saidrestraining means.

[0024] Said restraining means may restrain said shell vertically byballast held internally of said shell.

[0025] Said ballast may be either a liquid or particulate matter.

[0026] When said ballast is a liquid, said liquid may further include abacteriostatic and/or anti-fogging agent.

[0027] When said ballast is particulate matter, said particulate mattermay be a vibrating resonance-fluidised bed.

[0028] Said support means may be either a liquid or particulate matter.

[0029] When said support means is particulate matter, said particulatematter may be a vibrating resonance-fluidised bed.

[0030] Said support means may include a collar assembly surrounding thelower portion of said shell, said collar assembly retaining said liquidor said particulate matter of said support means.

[0031] Said collar assembly may include one or more toroids of rigid orflexible construction.

[0032] When said toroids are of a flexible construction, the rigiditynecessary for their use may be achieved by:

[0033] [a] inflating with a gas to a sufficient pressure to resistcompression by said shell in a given environment; or

[0034] [b] filling with a liquid and, optionally, further increasingrigidity by supplying said toroids with an elevated pressure head.

[0035] Optionally, to reduce frictional contact forces between saidshell and said collar assembly, low friction materials may be used forthe manufacture of said collar assembly in the contact area with saidshell. Alternatively, jets of fluid, or permeable membranes throughwhich fluid is forced, may be operated within said contact area toprovide a film of fluid between said shell and said collar assembly.

[0036] When said jets of fluid or permeable membranes through whichfluid is forced are used, said fluid may be directed to clean theexterior surface of said shell.

[0037] Optionally, said collar assembly may be reinforced againstlateral displacement. Said lateral displacement may be prevented by theuse of wedges. Said wedges may be made of a rigid or semi-rigidmaterial. A suitable semi-rigid material is a rubber tyre a multiple ofwhich may surround said collar assembly.

[0038] In those embodiments of the present invention which include saidcollar assembly and wherein said shell contains said ballast heldinternally, vertical restraint of said shell can be particularly readilymaintained.

[0039] Although not wishing to be bound by theory, the verticalstability of floating bodies of any size or shape when they float in anenclosing container which is in close proximity to the floating bodynear the surface of the liquid or particulate bed which constitutes thesupporting medium can be controlled under the influence of externallyapplied loads with a net vertical component. The method is to select thegeometry and proximity to the floating body of the enclosing region fora given floating body such that an important physical effect becomessignificant, and enhances the desired vertical stabilization. Theeffect, and the method for selecting the optimal geometry, is describedas follows.

[0040] When an object floating in a liquid confined within a containeris subjected to a vertical force, the object is displaced verticallyfrom its equilibrium position by a given distance and the supportingliquid will be displaced in the opposite direction. The degree of thedisplacement varies with the applied force according to the relativechanges in submersed volume from small increments or decrements in thevertical position of the floating object. The effect means that theposition of the object will experience smaller vertical displacementsfor a given vertical force than it would if it were placed in a muchlarger open body of water. A simple example is a ship in the ocean—theocean does not significantly drop in level when the ship is elevated.

[0041] The effect is maximized by reducing the volume of the supportingfluid for the range of vertical displacements for a given floatingobject. The effect becomes significant when the periphery of theenclosing container is placed in close proximity to the floating body.Within the desired range of displacements, the degree of displacementwhich results from the application of an external force is controlled byvarying the ratio of the cross-sectional areas of the floating body andof the fluid surrounding that body at the height of the externalsupporting fluid or particulate bed.

[0042] Adapting the above to the relevant embodiments of the presentinvention, the general method is to analyse the elements of incrementalmotion over the entire range of desired displacements for the knownrange of vertical loads which will act on said shell, and to select thegeometry of said restraining means and said support means such that thedesired relationship between vertical displacement and vertical force isobtained, over the desired range of vertical displacement of said shell.

[0043] Said radiation flux may be collected by a receiver assemblypositioned internally or externally of said shell.

[0044] When said receiver assembly is positioned internally, saidreceiver assembly may be fixed or motile.

[0045] Said receiver assembly may be supported by said shell.

[0046] Said receiver assembly may also include a concentrator for saidradiation flux, whereby said radiation flux may be focussed externally,peripherally or internally of said shell.

[0047] When said concentrator is mounted internally of said shell, saidconcentrator may be a metallized or generally reflective plastic surfaceattached to the interior of said shell.

[0048] When said ballast held internally of said shell is present, saidconcentrator may include apertures therein sufficient for said ballastto pass through as said device moves.

[0049] In those embodiments of the present invention wherein saidapparatus is a said reflecting apparatus, said reflecting apparatus mayinclude a thin membrane reflective mirror (having a planar surfacedistorted sufficiently to obtain the necessary focal length curvature)associated with a reflector.

[0050] The shape of said membrane may be pre-formed by methods whichinclude:

[0051] I the application of thermal heat or electromagnetic radiation toselected regions of a flat plane to obtain varying degrees of surfacecurvature across a membrane;

[0052] II a flat membrane may be selectively cut and re-sealed orre-welded after the cut has been made at various locations on themembrane to achieve a non-linear curved surface;

[0053] III elastomeric gores may be inserted into a membrane surface topermit the surface attributes and geometry to change under the effect ofvarying the differential pressure acting across the membrane; and

[0054] IV pinch-folds may be made, and the material joined by heat, glueor staples to maintain those folds, thereby creating a non-Euclideansurface.

[0055] Said reflector may be one of the following:

[0056] [a] a reduced-pressure plenum of two membranes being peripherallyconjoined and mounted in a full spheroidal said shell, the anteriormembrane being mirrored, the posterior membrane being connectedcentrally via a radial tensor attached to the inner surface of saidshell, or to some other suitable attachment point within said shell; theposterior membrane is thus pulled away from the anterior causing a smallpressure reduction in the r suiting plenum sufficient to remove wrinklesin said reflector; an external connection may be used to adjust thereduced pressure; the membranes may be mounted on a ring which isattached to said shell, thus reducing the stresses on the membranes;

[0057] [b] an increased-pressure plenum of two circular membranes beingperipherally conjoined and attached internally to said shell, theanterior membrane being transparent to the radiation frequency and ofany shape, and the posterior membrane being bias-cut and mirrored; theplenum pressure may be adjusted via an external connection or maintainedby the use of compounds exhibiting appropriate partial pressures;

[0058] [c] a thin-mirrored membrane hermetically dividing said shellpermitting a pressure differential to be maintained by the use of a gasor compounds exhibiting appropriate partial pressures; the pressure neednot be sufficient to create the curvature of the membrane, but merely toprevent wrinkling of the mirror.

[0059] Said rotational movement of said device may be undertaken by anumber of steering methods which include:

[0060] [a] an altitude/azimuth/Equation of Time solar flux concentrationalgorithm (designed to orient said concentrator to focus said flux ontosaid receiver assembly) interpreted to:

[0061] I external tethers;

[0062] II winches;

[0063] III jackscrews;

[0064] IV motile cups (suction or forced contact) or indentation pads(which may or may not be moved tangentially to the surface of said shellif desired), whose degree of contact with said shell may be varied ifdesired;

[0065] V paddles or cylinders which are in contact with said shell forall or part of their range of rotation angles, and which may exhibitvarying coefficients of friction around their surface, such that motionis uninhibited by friction for some orientations of the paddles orcylinders, but not for the orientations of the paddles or cylinderswhich are involved during active rotation of said shell;

[0066] VI the paddles or cylinders may also exhibit belts on theirsurface which are free to rotate in one or more directions, therebyreducing friction on said shell; the paddles or cylinders may alsoincorporate one or more arrays of one or more rollers which are incontact with said shell for some orientations of the paddles orcylinders, thereby forming a means of reducing friction on said shell;the paddles or cylinders are mounted in contact with said shell;

[0067] VII frictional drive, in which one or more bodies are infrictional contact with said shell to cause motion, may exhibitvariations in the coefficient of friction around their surface which areto be used to vary the force acting between said shell and the bodies.

[0068] VIII an azimuthal control rod, passed through the polar axis ofsaid shell, which is attached at both ends to an external drive andsupport mechanism, and whose angle of elevation may be varied byexternal control, and which is used to rotate said shell about the axisdefined by the rod;

[0069] IX a single-end azimuthal control, in which the motion of saidshell is controlled by rotation about a fixed point or circular regionof contact, the position of which is controlled from an external source;

[0070] X a great-circle tracking ring or set of parallel tracking rings,attached to a great-circle ring or set of parallel rings on said shell,controlled mechanically from an external source which is free to movewithin said collar assembly or from any place outside said shelladjacent to it;

[0071] XI motion of devices within said shell which are in contact withsaid shell and which are able to exert force upon said shell by theirmotion within it;

[0072] XII said shell may be filled with magnetic fluid or particles,and may be oriented by linear or angular motors which rely upon magneticinteraction with the particles contained within said shell; motion maybe caused by Maxwell's effect (induced currents) or by direct magneticaction; currents may be induced in an internal fluid which containsdissolved ions apart from those of the fluid itself which exist from thenatural equilibrium reactions at the environmental temperature.

[0073] [b] an altitude/azimuth/Equation of Time algorithm interpreted topressure nozzles mounted in a dished bed supporting said shell andvectored towards said shell in a contact area between said shell andsaid collar assembly;

[0074] [c] an altitude/azimuth/Equation of Time algorithm interpreted tomoveable tractor arrays acting on the under-surface of said shell in acontact area between said shell and said collar assembly;

[0075] [d] reaction-mass thrusters for Space use;

[0076] [e] radiothermal paddles for Space use.

[0077] The tracking methods described above for said rotational movementrequire the determination of an algorithm for orienting a given saidshell whereby it may be rotated incrementally about three orthogonalCartesian axes. The determination is undertaken as follows. At any pointin time, the orientation of said shell may differ from the desiredorientation. An algorithm is used to calculate the orientation of saidshell after one of six possible incremental rotations about three fixedaxes is applied (involving three spatial axes, for each of which thereare two possible rotation directions, making six in all). The resultingorientation of said shell is compared with the desired orientation, andthe incremental rotation which minimizes the angular difference isselected. The angular difference is calculated by any suitable functionof the angles which ensures rapid convergence under this algorithm.There are infinitely many such functions. Incremental rotation of saidshell about the three orthogonal Cartesian axes is achieved using one ofthe steering methods (I-VI, X, XII). In the case of methods (III, IV, V,VI), four drive systems may be equally spaced around the base of saidcollar assembly, and oriented so that the direction of drive force isperpendicular to the radial line towards the centre of said collarassembly, and is in an approximately horizontal direction. If all fourdrive systems are directed to move in the same angular sense around saidshell (i.e. opposite drives rotate in an anti-parallel sense), then saidshell will rotate about the vertical axis, whereas if one pair ofopposing drives is directed to rotate in a parallel sense, then saidshell will rotate around the Cartesian axis parallel to the lineconnecting the activated pair of opposing drive systems.

[0078] In addition to Alt/Az tracking, another form of tracking ispossible with the particular methods of orientation described above, andespecially steering methods (VII), (VIII), and (IX). This method will bereferred to as modified Right Ascension/Declination (modified RA/Dec.)tracking.

[0079] This requires the reflector plane to rotate diurnally about anarbitrary axis, which is defined by the contact points in the case ofmethods (VII), (VIII), and by the axis defined by the centred normal ofthe cross-section of said shell through the plane defined by one of thetracking rings in method (IX). The orientation of this axis may be madeto vary throughout the year and throughout an individual day.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention therefore, when saidreflector is used as a solar flux concentrator, modified RA/Dec. orPolar rotation is used: the sun is tracked with the mirror plane at afixed angle (which depends upon the particular latitude of operation) tothe axis of rotation so the solar flux enters said shell equatoriallyand focuses in a polar direction or a direction towards a fixed targeton the ground, or towards a fixed point on said shell. Said shell iscaused to rotate once in 24 hours (advanced or retarded when necessaryby the Equation of Time). Seasonal sun's altitude correction by axischanges may utilize an appropriately formed incremental motor mounttrack, or to declination offset at the Solstices, and furthermore thisincremental motor mount track may be varied throughout an individual dayto compensate for any deviation in the sun's path from the simplifiedpolar tracking algorithm, in which a fixed rotation axis is employed onany particular day.

[0081] As a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for receiving and/or transmitting radiation flux, wherein saidradiation flux is received and/or transmitted by a device ashereinbefore described.

[0082] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0083]FIG. 1 is a first cross-sectional view of a device constructed inaccordance with the present invention; and

[0084]FIG. 2 is a second cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1,the sectional views being orthogonal to each other.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 1 & 2, the device (1) comprises a transparentspherical shell (2), 1.5 m in diameter. The shell (2) is manufacturedfrom a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) of approximately 0.15 mmthickness. A rigid circular rod (3) holds and frames a plastic bias-cutmirror (4) which is reflective on its upper surface (5). The rod (3) andmirror (4) assembly is attached to the inner surface of the shell (2)approximately in a plane of great circle by a series of peripheralelastic first ligaments (6). A second membrane (7) is affixed to theunder surface of the mirror (4) and tethered to the inner surface of theshell (2) by a second ligament (8) in a manner to maintain a pressuredifferential across the two approximate hemi-spheres separated by themirror (4) of about 0.02 atm. A quantity of water (13) is containedwithin the shell (2) acting as ballast. The lower portion of the shell(2) rests on a toroid (9) which, in turn is affixed to a membrane-typebase (10). The toroid (9) and base (10) are also manufactured from aPET. The toroid (9) is filled with water (11). The vessel created by theinside surface of the toroid (9) and the upper surface of the base (10)also contains a quantity of water (12). The quantity of the water(12,13) is sufficient for the shell (2) to be buoyantly supported withinthe vessel while being lightly in contact with the toroid (9).

[0086] The device (1) functions as a solar energy collector, solar fluxbeing reflected off the mirror (4) and directed to any suitable storagemeans known in the art.

[0087] The shell (2) is buoyant but restrained within the boundaries ofthe toroid (9) and base (10) while being free for rotational movement asrequired to track the sun.

[0088] Aerodynamic finite-element analysis modelling of devicesconstructed as above but with shell (2) of differing radii hasdemonstrated that currently available plastics are sufficiently strongto absorb wind-induced stresses while still providing good performancein field conditions. Typical expected thermal power outputs (operatingat a 45 degree bounce angle) for differing shell (2) radii are presentedin the following table. Shell diameter Thermal output (kW) 10 m ˜60 kW25 m ˜380 kW 40 m ˜980 kW 60 m ˜2.2 MW

[0089] Additional features of the device as described with reference toFIGS. 1 & 2 above which are expected to be incorporated into the deviceinclude:

[0090] (a) Since the mirror (4) should be designed so that incoming raysare not focused at a point directly back towards the line of sight tothe sun, but rather in a direction which makes an angle with theincoming flux (typically 40 degrees, but varying with latitude) then themirror design must be selected to closely match an off-centre parabolicsection with the average required bounce angle. In order to achieve aclose approximation to this section with parallel Euclidean plasticstrips, the strip design is fixed by choosing the strip centre lines tolie in planes which are radial with respect to the parabolic centrenormal (i.e. the line from the parabolic focus to the parabolicbase-of-bowl point). The mirror (4) would consist of 30 or more of thesestrips, which are sealed in an airtight fashion using adhesives.

[0091]  This technique produces optimal matching between the idealoff-centre parabolic dish and the final mirror shape. Additionally,slight stretching of the metallized plastic further adds to the accuracyof the match.

[0092] (b) The mirror is digitally tracked to the sun in such a way asto always focus the solar flux onto an external receiver.

[0093]  The receiver incorporates four flux-misalignment sensors,positioned behind the collector along the flux-focus direction,supported from the collector by a mounting rod with perpendicular spars,equally distributed in an angular sense around the line of the rod. Thefunction of these sensors is to provide feedback to the shell's drivesystems as to the alignment of the mirror, and the data from thesesensors is used to refine the performance of the tracking system.

[0094] (c) Four drive engines and drive contact regions are provided,designed so as to provide six independent degrees of controllablemotion. The tracking system requires that the mirror's angularorientation be controlled over all three orthogonal spatial dimensions,and each dimension requires two directions of motion.

[0095]  The drive engines are mounted on four flat plastic sheetsattached to the toroid, which are wedge-shaped with a curved edge tomatch the curve of the toroid where they attach. The wedge ends of thesheets are to be made buoyant with floatation tanks so as to ensure aconstant pressure between the sphere and the drive system.

[0096] (d) A number of differing drive units are possible (which arediscussed below in more detail with reference to FIGS. 10-13).

[0097]  The drive system when active flips a two-pronged paddle from thehorizontal through the vertical to the reversed horizontal orientations.This brings it into contact with the shell, applies a small torque onthe shell, which rotates the shell in a direction perpendicular to thecollar base's radial line in the direction of the drive system inquestion. When a drive is not active, free rollers at either end of thepaddle for that drive allow the shell to pass over the paddle with lowfrictional resistance.

[0098]  Each major arm of the paddle incorporates a contra-rotationreduction gear system, so that the outer surface cylinder of the armrotates in an opposite sense to the direction of rotation of the paddle,when the shell is in contact with the upper branch of the paddle. Thisensures that fine positioning of the shell may be achieved, with minimalstress upon the surface of the shell. The contra-reduction is achievedwith a standard epicyclic gearing.

[0099]  Digital tracking algorithms calculate the current position ofthe sun, and from that deduce the required position of the mirror, givenits designed bounce angle and the position of the fixed collector. Thecontrol system selects one of 6 possible rotation moves to apply to theshell, and activates the required engine pairs accordingly. Feedbackfrom the four flux-misalignment sensors is used to provide fine positioncontrol to optimize the flux collected.

[0100]  A fixed drive engine having only degree of rotational freedomcan be employed.

[0101]  Four drive modules can be utilized. Each module includes twofree-running drive rollers and a central drive roller which may eitherconsist of one or two cylinders attached to the central cylinder bymeans of a metal drive shaft frame. Instead of three parallel centraldrive cylinders, it is also possible to use two cylinders, where themiddle cylinder is larger than the shell contact cylinder. It is alsopossible to replace the cylinders with a contra-rotating reduction belt.

[0102] Other possible alternative embodiments that are expected to offerone or more advantages of the present invention are described withreference to the further accompanying drawings identified as follows. Inthese possible embodiments, like reference numerals do not necessarilyrefer to like features as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and2.

[0103]FIG. 3 is a first cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of adevice of the present invention; and

[0104]FIG. 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3,the sectional views being orthogonal to each other.

[0105] In FIGS. 3 and 4, there are illustrated two concentric toroids(4), one mounted on top of the other, with the upper toroid being of asmaller diameter than the lower toroid. Two toroids provide greateroverall rigidity and are expected to have a specific use in higherambient wind conditions.

[0106]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a deviceof the present invention.

[0107] In FIG. 5, there are illustrated four concentric toroids (4).Three lower toroids, each with a decreasing diameter, are nestedtogether in a lateral plane. The fourth toroid is mounted on top of thethree lower toroids, in the interstice between the outer toroid and theadjacent toroid. Once again, multiple toroids provide even greateroverall rigidity.

[0108]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of a device of thepresent invention.

[0109]FIG. 6 depicts a plan view of the device of FIGS. 1 & 2, furtherincluding rotating armature assemblies (2) in a radial formation which,in operation, contact the surface of the shell (1) and permit rotationthereof.

[0110]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of a device of thepresent invention.

[0111]FIG. 7 depicts a plan view of the device of FIGS. 1 & 2, furtherincluding rotating armature assemblies (2) in a tangential formationwhich, in operation, contact the surface of the shell (1) and permitrotation thereof.

[0112]FIG. 8 is a plan view of a sixth embodiment of a device of thepresent invention.

[0113]FIG. 8 depicts cardinally and radially oriented mount plates andfour drive units attached to the device of the invention.

[0114]FIG. 9 is a schematic representation of a drive unit illustratedin FIG. 8.

[0115]FIG. 9 depicts an epicyclic contra-reduction gearing (10) systemrepresented as two small cylinders at the toroid-centre end of the unit.Each cylinder turns against the internal drive shaft according to thegearing ratios set by the reduction gears, located between the driveframe assembly (9) and the external cylinder (11).

[0116]FIG. 10 depicts a first lateral view of a drive unit illustratedin FIG. 8.

[0117] The drive unit depicted in FIG. 10 has the drive inactive, withthe free end rollers against the shell, enabling low-resistancetransverse motion of the shell. Buoyancy in the rollers themselves andin a buoyancy tank beneath the plastic mount (16) ensure a constantpressure between the drive and the shell. The drive engine is locatedbeneath the plastic mount. This is facilitated by a translation gearhousing (7) fixed to the upper side of the plastic mount, above theengine, which serves to rotate the drive frame assembly.

[0118]FIG. 11 depicts a second lateral view of a drive unit illustratedin FIG. 8.

[0119] The drive unit depicted in FIG. 11 has the drive activated androtating the shell. As the drive turns, the epicyclic contra-reductiongears (10) are activated. The ensuing counter-rotation of the drivecylinder has the effect of producing a small change in the position ofthe shell, despite a relatively large change in the position of thedrive system itself. The drive cylinders (11) have a rubber or anynon-slip surface, enabling the cylinders to grip the shell.

[0120]FIG. 12 depicts a first alternative drive unit for use with thedevice of the present invention.

[0121] The drive unit of FIG. 12 is a polar drive, with the polar driveaxis (18) illustrated.

[0122]FIG. 13 depicts a second alternative drive unit for use with thedevice of the present invention.

[0123] The drive unit of FIG. 13 illustrates three orthogonalcross-sectional views of the drive unit which is fixed to the base ofthe toroid. At each end are free-running rollers to enable freetransverse motion of the shell when the drive is inactive. When active,the drive engines (14) turn to lift the shell off the free-runningrollers, and impart a small displacement to the shell.

[0124] The present invention can operate—singly or inmultiples—terrestrially, in water, in the atmosphere or in space oredge-of-space deployment.

[0125] When said shells are to be deployed within large bodies of water,their motion must be constrained laterally. This may be achieved throughthe use of rigid boundaries placed underneath (which may be fixedrelative to the earth or merely fixed relative to nearby boundaries), onor above the surface of the body of the water. The control systems maybe attached to these boundaries, or may be mounted separately on thebase of the body of water, or may possess their own internal buoyancy tomaintain the desired level of contact with said shell.

[0126] When deployed at altitude within an atmosphere, said device(s)may adopt one or more of the following configurations:

[0127] 1 each said shell may be locatable and orientable in theatmosphere by means of propulsion jets, or by mass redistribution bymeans of relocation of ballast directly within said shell, or by meansof a fluid piping system, or by ailerons, or by mechanical enginesattached to a controlling body;

[0128] 2 the above control systems may apply to a set of said shellsconnected in a line by means of cables, rigid frameworks, membranesheets or nets; they may also be joined through direct surface contact;the control may be individual to each said shell, or to the ensemble ofsaid shells as a whole;

[0129] 3 the above control systems may apply to a set of said shellsconnected in a two or three-dimensional structure by means of cables,rigid frameworks, membrane sheets or nets, or direct surface contact;the control may be individual to each said shell, or to the ensemble ofsaid shells as a whole; close-packed said shells in two orthree-dimensional structures may be used.

[0130] Concentrated flux from the thus-deployed device(s) may beharnessed internally, peripherally, or externally as desired. In thecase of external flux collection, the collection device or target may bephysically connected to the shell system, or may be detached from theshell system. If detached, the collection device may consist of agas-filled dirigible upon which devices for energy generation,transmission, and chemical production and transmission are mounted.Chemicals or electrical energy generated may be transferred back to theshell network for operation and maintenance purposes. Electrical energymay be used to create an electromagnetic radiation beam for thetransferal of energy to the surface of a planet. Maintenance of thesystem may be achieved through the use of dirigibles which are able toeasily move around the shell network and any target structures.

[0131] The shell for high atmosphere, or space use, is usually devoid ofinternal ballast.

[0132] The present invention can thus serve a multiple of uses frommicrowave dish to a solar flux collector and can be used—singly or inmultiples—terrestrially, in water, in the atmosphere or in space oredge-of-space deployment. The shell enjoys total rotational motility,can be fully steerable, whilst being constrained laterally andvertically. Due to this total rotational motility, the shell has thecapability for self-cleaning, as its entire exterior and interiorsurfaces may be cleansed by rotation through, for example, the internalballast and through any exterior liquid support held in, for example,the collar assembly. The mounting and support mechanisms require lessmaterial to fabricate than prior art mechanisms and thus offer financialeconomies in construction.

[0133] It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments areonly exemplification of the various aspects of the present invention andthat modifications and alterations can be made thereto without departingfrom the inventive concept as defined in the following claims.

1. A device for the simultaneous restraining but allowing continuousunrestricted rotational movement of an apparatus of the type forreceiving and/or transmitting radiation flux, said device including: afluid-impermeable shell adapted to support said apparatus; a restrainingmeans to restrain said shell at a required position; and a support meansto buoyantly support said shell, said support means adapted to allowcontinuous movement of said shell along at least one non-vertical axis;wherein said restraining means and said support means are furtheradapted to allow said rotational movement of said shell at said requiredposition.
 2. A device as defined in claim 1 wherein, said apparatus isselected from one or more of the group comprising atransmitting/receiving apparatus, a reflecting apparatus, and a lensingapparatus.
 3. A device as defined in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein saidshell is spherical, spheroid, cylindrical, or cylindroid in shape.
 4. Adevice as defined in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said shell istransparent.
 5. A device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 4, whereinsaid shell is hollow.
 6. A device as defined in claim 5, wherein saidshell is pressurised.
 7. A device as defined in claim 6, wherein theinternal pressure of said shell is maintained by means from one or moreof the group comprising an external gas supply and pressure control,gas-release vents activated when said internal pressure exceeds somespecified threshold, chemical compounds present internal of said shellwhich exhibit required pressures, and gas containers positioned internalof said shell which release gas when said internal pressure drops belowa fixed threshold.
 8. A device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 7,wherein said shell is restrained laterally by said restraining means. 9.A device as defined in claim 8, wherein said shell is further restrainedvertically by said restraining means.
 10. A device as defined in claim9, wherein said restraining means restrains said shell vertically byballast held internally of said shell.
 11. A device as defined in claim10, wherein said ballast is either a liquid or particulate matter.
 12. Adevice as defined in claim 11, wherein said ballast is a liquid.
 13. Adevice as defined in claim 12, wherein said liquid further includes abacteriostatic and/or anti-fogging agent.
 14. A device as defined inclaim 11, wherein said ballast is particulate matter.
 15. A device asdefined in claim 14, wherein said particulate matter is a vibratingresonance-fluidised bed.
 16. A device as defined in any one of claims 1to 15, wherein said support means is a liquid or particulate matter. 17.A device as defined in claim 16, wherein said ballast is particulatematter.
 18. A device as defined in claim 17, wherein said particulatematter is a vibrating resonance-fluidised bed.
 19. A device as definedin any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said support means includes acollar assembly surrounding the lower portion of said shell, said collarassembly retaining said liquid or said particulate matter of saidsupport means.
 20. A device as defined in claim 19, wherein said collarassembly includes one or more toroids of rigid or flexible construction.21. A device as defined in claim 20, wherein said one or more toroids isof a flexible construction.
 22. A device as defined in claim 21, whereinthe rigidity necessary for use of said one or more toroids is achievedby either by inflating said one or more toroids with a gas to asufficient pressure to resist compression by said shell in a givenenvironment, or by filling with a liquid.
 23. A device as defined inclaim 22, wherein said rigidity achieved by said filling with liquid isfurther increased by supplying said one or more toroids with an elevatedpressure head.
 24. A device as defined in any one of claims 19 to 23,wherein low friction materials are used to manufacture said collarassembly in the contact area with said shelf.
 25. A device as defined inany one of claims 19 to 23, wherein jets of fluid are operated withinthe contact area with said shell to provide a film of fluid between saidshell and said collar assembly.
 26. A device as defined in any one ofclaims 19 to 23, wherein permeable membranes through which fluid isforced are positioned within the contact area with said shell to providea film of fluid between said shell and said collar assembly.
 27. Adevice as defined in claim 25 or claim 26, wherein said fluid is furtherdirected to clean the exterior surface of said shell.
 28. A device asdefined in any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein said collar assembly isreinforced against lateral displacement.
 29. A device as defined inclaim 28, wherein said lateral displacement is prevented by the use ofwedges.
 30. A device as defined in claim 29, wherein said wedges aremade of a rigid or semi-rigid material.
 31. A device as defined in claim30, wherein said wedges are made of a semi-rigid material.
 32. A deviceas defined in claim 31, wherein said semi-rigid material is at least onerubber tyre.
 33. A device as defined in claim 31, wherein there are amultiple of said tyre which surround said collar assembly.
 34. A deviceas defined in any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein said radiation flux iscollected by a receiver assembly positioned internally or externally ofsaid shell.
 35. A device as defined in claim 34, wherein said radiationflux is collected by a receiver assembly positioned internally of saidshell.
 36. A device as defined in claim 35, wherein said receiverassembly is fixed or motile.
 37. A device as defined in any one ofclaims 34 to 36, wherein said receiver assembly is supported by saidshell.
 38. A device as defined in any one of claims 34 to 37, whereinsaid receiver assembly includes a concentrator for said radiation flux,whereby said radiation flux may be focussed externally, peripherally orinternally of said shell.
 39. A device as defined in claim 38, whereinsaid concentrator is mounted internally of said shell.
 40. A device asdefined in claim 39, wherein said concentrator is a metallized orgenerally reflective plastic surface attached to the interior of saidshell.
 41. A device as defined in claim 39 or claim 40, wherein saidconcentrator includes apertures therein sufficient for any said ballastheld internally of said shell to pass through as said device moves. 42.A device as defined in any one of claims 2 to 41, wherein said apparatusis a said reflecting apparatus.
 43. A device as defined in claim 42,wherein said reflecting apparatus includes a thin membrane reflectivemirror associated with a reflector.
 44. A device as defined in claim 43,wherein said reflector is a reduced-pressure plenum of two membranesbeing peripherally conjoined and mounted within said shell.
 45. A deviceas defined in claim 44, wherein the anterior membrane of said twomembranes is mirrored and wherein the posterior membrane of said twomembranes is connected centrally via a radial tensor attached to theinner surface of said shell.
 46. A device as defined in claim 43,wherein said reflector is an increased-pressure plenum of two circularmembranes being peripherally conjoined and attached internally to saidshell.
 47. A device as defined in claim 43, wherein said reflector is athin-mirrored membrane hermetically dividing said shell permitting apressure differential to be maintained by the use of a gas or compoundsexhibiting appropriate partial pressures.
 48. A device as defined in anyone of claims 1 to 47, wherein said rotational movement of said deviceis undertaken by a steering method which comprises analtitude/azimuth/Equation of Time algorithm interpreted to any suitablemeans for rotation of said device.
 49. A device as defined in any one ofclaims 1 to 48, wherein said device includes additional means torestrain said device in a required location.
 50. A method for receivingand/or transmitting radiation flux, wherein said radiation flux isreceived and/or transmitted by a device as defined in any one of claims1 to 49.